Waiting for Palin

Another of this convention’s oddities: The third day is more anticipated than the fourth day. It’s possible that Sarah Palin’s speech tonight will get higher ratings than John McCain’s speech tomorrow.

To understand how curious the country is about Palin, consider this report on the Web site FiveThirtyEight.com: “Since her name was announced as John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin has generated more US-based internet search traffic than Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Michael Phelps and Barack Obama combined.” Now that’s celebrity!

Tonight is certainly more lively than last night, but I’m afraid that’s judging by a fairly low standard. Large patches of this arena were entirely empty, more like what you’d expect for a team with a 20-40 record. There are still some empty seats tonight (it’s a little before 9 p.m. out here now), though I assume more people will arrive by the time Palin speaks.

The late Mike Deaver, the brilliant producer-director of so many striking, colorful scenes and sets during Ronald Reagan’s campaigns and presidency, would be unhappy with his party, I think.

There was far more color -- in particular, more red, white and blue -- at the Democratic convention than here. The color scheme around the Convention Hall leans heavily on black and gold. It’s fairly somber everywhere except on stage -- and even the stage is far plainer than the one the Democrats used (and I’m not even talking about the closing rites at Invesco Field). The Republicans once had a corner on high-production-value pizzazz; pizzazz switched parties this year. You may have noticed that the floor of the stage is black and shiny. My friend Harold Meyerson said he expects Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to come swaying across it at any moment.

But some things never change. You can’t have a Red Sox game at Fenway Park without hearing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” and you can’t have a Republican convention without an attack on the Democrats as liberal Liberal! Liberal! Liberal!

The task of ritual denunciation fell to Mitt Romney, who said a remarkable thing: “What do you think Washington is right now, liberal or conservative?” Now, you would think that after nearly eight years of President Bush’s administration, Washington could be safely seen as conservative. No, no, said Romney, actually, Washington is liberal! Where has Bush been? Was he a secret agent? Sure, the Democrats pronounced Bush a failure at their convention. But I never expected to hear an argument here that, in effect, said the same thing.

And then there was Mike Huckabee. I happen to be fond of Huckabee, his sense of humor and the flashes of concern he’s shown for the needy. But I think he may have just spoken the lamest line uttered at the convention so far. Those who question Palin’s qualifications, he said, should realize that “she got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, than Joe Biden got running for president of the United States.” If that’s the best the Republicans can do in comparing Palin with Biden, they have even more problems than I thought.

... "she got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, than Joe Biden got running for president of the United States.” ...

That's a cute line, but Biden got 79,754 votes in the 2008 Democratic primaries. That's more than 50 times the number of votes Palin got in her 2 mayoral campaigns combined. How does Huckabee suppose the number of votes Biden's gotten in his many Senate races compares to Palin's vote total?

THIS IS SERIOUS. ALL PEOPLE CONSIDERING VOTING FOR MCCAIN SHOULD STOP AND SEE THIS VIDEO IMMEDIATELY...

PLEASE, PLEASE, EMAIL EVERYONE TO SEE THIS VIDEO BEFORE IT GETS PULLED.

IT SHOWS PALIN PRAYING AT HER CHURCH WITH HER CHILDHOOD MINISTER (AND THE NEW MINISTER) ABOUT THE END OF TIMES... HOW ALASKA WILL BE RESCUING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF AMERICAN REFUGEES FROM THE LOWER 48 STATES. IT'S THE END OF TIMES.

PALIN HAS NO BUSINESS GETTING NEAR OUR NUCLEAR WEAPONS WITH A NEAR TERM APOCALYPTIC VIEW OF THE WORLD, AND SHE BELIEVES ALASKA WILL SAVE OUR NATION OF REFUGEES.

If you grow up in Hawaii you're "exotic." But if you grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers, you're the quintessential "American story."

If you name you kid Barack you're "unpatriotic." But if you name your kid Track, you're "colorful."

If you say that for the "first time in my adult lifetime I'm really proud of my country, you are "unfit" to be First Lady. If you are a registered member of a fringe political group know as Alaska Independent Party that advocates secession from US you are fit to be a patriotic "First Dude."

If you are a pregnant black teen, you represent "crisis" in black America. But if you are a pregnant white teen you represent “blessed family values."

If you're a Democrat and make a VP pick without fully vetting the individual you're reckless. But if you a Republican and vet your VP once for 15 minutes you are a maverick.

If you are a female democratic and complain about sexism, you are a whiner. But if you are a female republican, you are being subjected to sex-discrimination.

When major public and community accomplishment of Hillary were discussed she was considered as a divisive person. But when the minute accomplishments of Sarah are described, she is considered as a work horse reformer.

If you are democrat female running for a high office you are considered s rebel. But if you are republican you are considered as historical.

If are an independent and supported Pat Buchanan in 2000 you are a Nazi sympathizer, but if you are republican, you are an ultra conservative brigadier.

New evidence has emerged that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was closely associated as early as age 25 to a key adviser to a Saudi billionaire who had mentored the founding members of the Black Panthers.

In a videotaped interview this year on New York’s all news cable channel NY1, a prominent African-American businessman and political figure made the curious disclosures about Obama. (See Video Clip Below)

Percy Sutton, the former borough president of Manhattan, off-handedly revealed the unusual circumstances about his first encounter with the young Obama.

“I was introduced to (Obama) by a friend who was raising money for him,” Sutton told NY1 city hall reporter Dominic Carter.

“The friend’s name is Dr. Khalid al-Mansour, from Texas,” Sutton said. “He is the principal adviser to one of the world’s richest men. He told me about Obama.”

Sutton, the founder of Inner City Broadcasting, said al-Mansour contacted him to ask a favor: Would Sutton write a letter in support of Obama’s application to Harvard Law School?

“He wrote to me about him,” Sutton recalled. “And his introduction was there is a young man that has applied to Harvard. I know that you have a few friends up there because you used to go up there to speak. Would you please write a letter in support of him?”

Sutton said he acted on his friend al-Mansour’s advice.

“I wrote a letter of support of him to my friends at Harvard, saying to them I thought there was a genius that was going to be available and I certainly hoped they would treat him kindly,” Sutton told NY1.

Sutton did not say why al-Mansour was helping Obama, how he discovered him, or from whom he was raising money on Obama’s behalf.

A Sutton aide told Newsmax that Sutton, 88, is ailing and is unlikely to do additional TV interviews in the near future. The aide could not provide additional comment for this story.

As it turned out, Obama did attend Harvard Law School after graduating from Columbia University in New York and doing a stint as a community organizer in Chicago.

The New York Times described how transformative his Harvard experience became for the young Obama: “He arrived there as an unknown, Afro-wearing community organizer who had spent years searching for his identity; by the time he left, he had his first national news media exposure, a book contract and a shot of confidence from running the most powerful legal journal in the country.”

The details of Obama’s academic performance are well known: At Harvard, Obama rose to academic distinction becoming the editor of the Harvard Law Review and graduating magna cum laude.

Less known are the reasons al-Mansour, an activist African-American Muslim, would be a key backer for a young man from Hawaii seeking to attend the most Ivy of the Ivy League law schools.

Khalid al-Mansour a.k.a. Don Warden

In an exclusive interview with Newsmax from his home in San Antonio, Texas, al-Mansour said he would not comment specifically on the statement by Percy Sutton because he was afraid anything he said would get “distorted.”

“I was determined I was never going to be in that situation,” he said. “Bloggers are saying this is the new Rev. Wright — in drag! — and he is a nationalist, racist, and worse than Rev. Wright. So any statement that I made would only further this activity which is not in the interest of Barack.”

But in the lengthy interview, al-Mansour confirmed that he frequently spoke on university campuses, including Columbia, where Percy Sutton suggested he met Obama in the late 1980s, and confirmed his close relationship with Prince Alwaleed.

“I am not surprised to learn about this,” said Niger Innis, spokesman of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). “It is clear that Barack Obama’s ties to the left are familial, generational, and have lasted for several years.”

Although many Americans have never heard of Khalid Abdullah Tariq al-Mansour (his full name), he is well known within the black community as a lawyer, an orthodox Muslim, a black nationalist, an author, an international deal-maker, an educator, and an outspoken enemy of Israel.

A graduate of Howard University with a law degree from the University of California, al-Mansour sits on numerous corporate boards, including the Saudi African Bank and Chicago-based LaGray Chemical Co. LaGray, which was formed to do business in Africa, counts former Nigerian President General Abdusalam Abubakar on its advisory board.

He also sits on the board of the non-profit African Leadership Academy, along with top McCain for President adviser Carly Fiorina, and organized a tribute to the President of Ghana at the Clinton White House in 1995, along with pop star Michael Jackson.

But his writings and books are packed with anti-American rhetoric reminiscent of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s disgraced former pastor.

In a 1995 book, “The Lost Books of Africa Rediscovered,” he alleged that the United States was plotting genocide against black Americans.

The first "genocide against the black man began 300 years ago," he told an audience in Harlem at a book-signing, while a second "genocide" was on the way “to remove 15 million Black people, considered disposable, of no relevance, value or benefit to the American society.”

In the 1960s, when he founded the African American Association in the San Francisco Bay area, he was known as Donald Warden.

According to the Social Activism Project at the University of California at Berkley, Warden, a.k.a. Khalid al-Mansour, was the mentor of Black Panther Party founder Huey Newton and his cohort, Bobby Seale.

Newton later had a falling out with Warden, who was described in a 1994 book as “the most articulate spokesperson for black nationalism” at the time.

The falling out wasn’t purely political, according to author Hugh Pearson.

“Sometimes Newton and the other members of (Warden’s) security detail got into fights with young whites who didn’t like what Warden had to say about whites. Rather than ‘throw down’ along with the security detail, Warden refused to fight,” Pearson wrote in “Shadow of the Panther: Huey Newton and the Price of Black Power in America.”

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee of California entered an official statement of appreciation of Warden and his Black Panther colleagues in the African-American Association in the Congressional Record on April 23, 2007.

“Today, the Palestinians are being brutalized like savages,” he told an audience in South Africa. “If you protest you will go to jail, and you may be killed. And they say they are the only democratic country in the Middle East. ... They are lying on God.”

He accused the Jews of “stealing the land the same way the Christians stole the land from the Indians in America.”

The Saudi Connection

But al-Mansour’s sponsorship of Obama as a prospective Harvard law student is important for another reason beyond his Islamic and anti-American rhetoric and early Black Panther ties.

At the time Percy Sutton, a former lawyer for Malcolm X and a former business partner of al-Mansour, says he was raising money for Obama’s graduate school education, al-Mansour was representing top members of the Saudi Royal family seeking to do business and exert influence in the United States.

In 1989, for example — just one year after Obama entered Harvard Law School — The Los Angeles Times revealed that al-Mansour had been advising Saudi billionaires Abdul Aziz and Khalid al-Ibrahim in their secret effort to acquire a major stake in prime oceanfront property in Marina del Rey, Calif., through “an elaborate network of corporate shells in California, the Caribbean and Europe.”

At the same time, he was also advising Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in his U.S. investments, and sits on the board of his premier investment vehicle, Kingdom Holdings.

Prince Alwaleed, 53, is the nephew if King Abdallah of Saudi Arabia. Forbes magazine ranked him this year as the 19th richest person on the planet, with a fortune in excess of $23 billion. He owns large chunks of Citigroup and News Corp., the holding company that controls Fox News.

He is best known in the United States for his offer to donate $10 million to help rebuild downtown Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks. But after the prince made a public comment suggesting that U.S. policies had contributed to causing the attacks, Mayor Rudy Giuliani handed back his check.

"I entirely reject that statement," Giuliani said. "There is no moral equivalent for this (terrorist) act. There is no justification for it. The people who did it lost any right to ask for justification for it when they slaughtered 4,000 or 5,000 innocent people.”

Since then, Prince Alwaleed’s Kingdom Foundation has given millions of dollars to Muslim charities in the United States, including several whose leaders have been indicted on terrorism-related charges in federal courts.

He also has given tens of millions of dollars to Harvard and other major U.S. universities, to establish programs in Islamic studies.

The casual statement by Percy Sutton to NY1 is the first time anyone has hinted at a relationship between Obama and the Saudi royal family.

Although al-Mansour glosses over his ties to the Saudi mega-billionaire in some of his public talks, he has represented the Saudi’s interests in the United States, in Britain, and in Africa for more than a quarter century, according to public records.

He told Newsmax that he has personally introduced Prince Alwaleed to “51 of the 53 leaders of Africa,” traveling from country to country on the Saudi prince’s private jet.

He knows virtually every black leader in America, from the business community, to community activists, to the worlds of politics and entertainment.

When Michael Jackson was on the ropes in the mid-1990s following a series of lawsuits by the parents of children accusing him of sexual abuse, al-Mansour introduced him to Prince Alwaleed, whose Kingdom Entertainment signed a joint venture with Jackson in 1996.

“Jackson and Alwaleed became pals in 1994, when a mutual friend from Alwaleed's college days in California arranged a lunch meeting aboard the prince's yacht in Cannes,” Time magazine reported about the new partnership in 1997.

The mutual friend was al-Mansour.

“As a black American, I am exceedingly proud at the American people’s response to Barack Obama’s candidacy,” said CORE’s Niger Innis. “But to deny that he has long-standing ties to left-wing elements in our polity is to deny reality. If you want to be president of the United States, it is not racism if you ask these kind of questions, and he has to come up with an answer, hopefully the truth.”

Sutton gives no clues as to why al-Mansour would be raising money to help Obama go to law school. Obama has said during his campaign that he paid his way through Harvard with student loans.

For Jesse Lee Peterson, founder of the Los Angeles-based Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny (BOND), these latest revelations about Obama’s ties to Saudi financiers were an important wake-up call.

“To me, this opened up more questions about Barack Obama and his relationship to the Muslim world,” Peterson told Newsmax.

“A lot of people are caught up with the emotional aspect of Barack Obama, the movie star aspect, the false promises that he’s going to take care of everyone and their Mama.”

But when the full story of Obama’s ties to radical preachers such as Wright and to black Muslim leader Louis Farrakhan comes out, Peterson believes that Obama’s star power will fade.

“I think there’s more to this story and to Barack Obama than we realize,” Peterson said. “As all the truth comes out before the election, I don’t think he has a chance. I can’t see American’s taking that kind of risk.”

The Obama campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Percy Sutton Reveals Association Between Khalid al-Mansour and Obama at Age 25

Just got finished watching Sarah Palin's speech and I'll I can say is Wow.
I'm a lifelong Democrat, but I am definetly switching to the GOP baby, and moving to Alaska. Until that time, I'm gonna get a pickup truck, get drunk, buy a gun and shot that guy down the street who looks like muslim terrorist. Man..them Alaskan babes are right up my alley and we gotta win this war no matter what if we're gonna protect them honeys. Damn it feels good to be an American. YEEEHAWWWW!!!!!

Whether you think Mccain was a loser because he lost a plane and got himself arrested by the enemy, or he was a good soldier, I say, people do not grow with age and at 72 are mostly in a decline and often demented. As for the so called VP, the question is how is she qualified when she has adapted to some God forsaken frontier where the cherished Evangelical Christian way of bringing up a daughter doesn’t apply? The facade GOP paints to hide their hypocrisy is an attempt to obscure our view of a regressive Party that failed to manage our economy.

We Democrats had the Red, White, and Blue and "The Stars and Stripes Forever" blaring just fine in our Labor Day Parade in Greenbelt, MD. The Republicans didn't bother to show up - again. God Bless America! Obama 2008

Did Rudy Guiliani really say that in the phrase "Islamic terrorists" it was the terrorists that should feel insulted? What an impressive display of bigotry and ignorance. I expected red meat tonight, but I thought they would move past that.

What do they mean CHANGE? From what? They have been in control the last 8 years!!!

If McCain and the followers believe that someone's service to the country is so important then why was he dry humping George Bush's leg the last 8 years.
Explain that?

Sarah Palin sure didn't help fight for the Alaskan residents against corruption when big oil Exxon with the help of the Republican controlled Supreme Court decided that the oil damage payout to them was EXCESSIVE and cut it down to almost nothing a few months back!!!
Same bunch that says there is no such thing as EXCESSIVE PROFITS!!!
If Bush could run a third term there is no doubt that you would see the same bunch of followers giving a glowing reception too.

IF YOU LOVED THE LAST EIGHT YEARS THEN BY ALL MEANS VOTE FOR THAT SAME PARTY.

IF YOU DIDN'T THINK THE LAST EIGHT YEARS WERE SO GREAT THEN VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN.

Congratulations to the G.O.P. for introducing their Eva Peron and Alessandra Mussolini to the nation as Sarah Palin. This is a natural progression as representative democracy in the United States falls to proto-fascism.

What did I learn about Sarah Palin tonight? Um let’s see, she is very sarcastic, condescending, a heck of a speech reader and she has no problem telling half truths with a straight face… Yeah not exactly what I am looking for in a VP. McCain had my vote until he signed on to this bridge to nowhere!!!

If Sarah Palin feels it is so wrong to be "politically correct," why does she refer to her baby son as "special needs?" Politicians of both parties are full of hot air and empty rhetoric, but no one beats the Repulsivcans for hypocrisy.

BTW, the one-liners from the DNC were much better than at the RNC - the Hollywood connection paid off well for Obama in speech-writing.

All the attacks on Obama's celebrity and speech making are about to bite the McCain camp in the arse. Mark my words Obama is no light weight, he'll have a blast with the salivating Repugs saying how great Palin is, she said nothing that connects with the real world, just what connects with the selfish, insular world of the GOP.

I guess they were not listening very well, so I'll say it again... Enough!

This woman does not believe in science, so how in the world is she going to be a leader in the energy crisis that faces this country? Good speechmakers with no ideas and attack rhetoric do not make good leaders.

Sarah Palin's speech was effective and pointed. She's a woman with 5 children who also runs Alaska. Hum. She actually did something. She is more qualified than Obama. He has never run anything! He is very good speaker and reminds me of the people that got promoted in industry (I worked for General Motors) because they said they things that upper management wanted to hear. Talked a good talked - did no real work. Promoted on what they said they did - not what they actually did. Look at what's happened to American business with those kind of leaders. We need a leader. Not an effective speaker.

First time on this site and I must say it will be the last. 99% of you are clearly retarded and must not have any real intelligence when it comes to the real issues and the world.

You are the left's poster children and you should be very proud. If you ever read the Communist Manifesto you will clearly see that you subscribe to the worst form of government known to man. But then again, you probably don't care since you clearly can't look outside your pathetic box that you call life.

Have a nice election and I am looking forward to the riots that your heroes call for after your extremely lame candidate loses because of his wishy washy, no explanation for his existence in politics, "camelot wanna be" attitude.

As someone who works with the elderly in the community I have real concerns about McCaines fitness to rule.Many in his age group struggle with poor memory,aches and pains and a multitude of minor ailments which are a natural consequence of aging as people decline in health in their 70s and 80s.Who is to say how he will bear up under the incredible strain and burden of the Presidency?Maybe be the best way to find out the competence of the Presidential contenders is to incacerate them in a Big Brother type setting for 4 weeks so that we can all get a chance to know them real close. Just imagine the TV ratings!

First off, Palin did a good job under pressure. She jumped instantly to the national stage and did well. With that said, nothing she said gave me the confidence that she is ready to lead America.

McCain has a history of cancer, and would be the oldest sworn in president in history. We have to assume that she will lead the country at least for a short term in the next four years. And, honestly, she sounded a lot like the speakers in the Bush 2004 convention. I heard a lot of hate and sarcasm.

She tried to hit Obama hard. But Obama's strength isn't his experience. His strengths are what she criticized. His strengths are his ability to mediate situations, make informed decisions based on advice from advisers. In case anyone missed the passed six years or so, the knee jerk reaction to invade Iraq wasn't the best decision. Furthermore, the appointments of people who where quality in religion but not government didn't pan out so well.

Also, I want to hear more about her views on religion and government. Religion and science. And, religion and policy. She made a few comments aimed at the far-right Christian base, but not many. Bush was very good at this.

Everyone is the party of change this year. However, I really don't see much change in the Republican party outside of the people applying to be put in charge.

I see the same policies: tax cuts for the richest Americans, shrink government (although no programs are EVER listed to be cut), and fight terrorists. Come on people, like any politician is going to eliminate the CIA, NSA, FBI, Homeland Security, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. The real heros protecting us are not the suits in Washington. Rather, they are government employees who continue to serve regardless of the administration. Tonight I heard that these government workers unions are in jeopardy (Romney's speech).

In conclusion, it seemed to be more of the same. More hate. More greed. More condescension. Did anyone notice how she kept saying "I grew up with THOSE PEOPLE." Those people...

Is drilling the solution, Obama said it is a partial solution. More lies (on taxes especially). This is the same old Republican party. A wolf in sheep's clothing.

Don't you Democrates have something better to do (like get a job and contribute to society) that sitting around all day writing on blogs? Your assertions are out of line and an extreme irriation to the working class of America!

I found Mrs. Palin's speech offensive, condescending, arrogant, sarcastic, presumtive and lacking any humility or graciousness as a newcomer introducing herself to the country for this first time. Republican puppet is what comes to mind - George Bush in a skirt, albeit with a higher I.Q. She is divisive and fanatic - I heard nothing that sounded like a plan, an intention, a desire to unite the country - just attack dog rhetoric. There was something sort-of high school 'cool girl' cheer-leaderish about her demeanor. But most offensive was her explotation of her poor pregnant daughter and the terrified looking teen boy who knocked her up and who didn't get a hug and a kiss when going down the family line-up. Those young people deserve privacy, yet here is a woman of obviously incredible political and personal ambition, touting family values...? Great photo op holding the baby for 90 seconds while the whole time looking at the camera, then handing him off to someone to return to the full GLORY OF HER in the sun. Republican hypocracy knows no bounds. This woman is not a unifier and is unfit to hold the highest office in this land in the unfortunate event that Mr. McCain should pass before his theoretical term would end. Annie, Get Your Gun!!

Kathy I couldn't agree more.Ms Palin sounded like a strident brawling high school kid at a playground. All hot air and no substance.One of the best way to judge contestants is to turn of the sound and replay a video recording of their speech. It allows you to focus on other far more subtle messages than is conveyed in their language. I suggest to try this for Obama then Palin. Very revealing. Really very revealing.

Don't you Democrates have something better to do (like get a job and contribute to society) that sitting around all day writing on blogs? Your assertions are out of line and an extreme irriation to the working class of America!

1. Up until Obama's speech, there was no substance just attack after attack...Biden's speech had no substance at all...he did not discuss policy. That's the job of the VP, attack dog, the Pres comes in and adds the policies as Obama did in his speech...

2. Palin's speech was a homerun because the Dems made a mistake...they underestimated her ability to deliver in the clutch. They turned up the pressure like they should have but went overboard making the expectations for her success extremely low...then homerun...underestimating her again will porve fatal if they do the same for her debate against Biden..if she holds her own against him..they can't keep saying ait until it gets tough..

3. Obama is running against Mccain not Palin...his record is paper thin in comparison...

4. Biden will need to bring his A game during the debates...he is the guy who said we should divide Iraq into 3 countries...so much for wisdom. If that is all he's got then too bad for him

5. Where was the crticism of Biden when he got sworn into office after his wife had just been killed and 2 of his kids lay in hospital beds...where was the critcism and request he should give up public service and be with his family as there has been an outcry for Palin to do...very double standard..

6. Tonight's speech only raised the stakes and made this whole election bettter theater. If she had flopped the drama would have died and this election would potentially be over.

The difference between the Republican and Democratic conventions is stark. The Democrats talked about their plans for lifting the country out of its current mess and forcefully articulated the differences between their approach and that of Bush/McCain. But their differences were on issues. They had no need to resort to disrespectful demonization and ridicule. The Republicans, by contrast, have nothing else but the tired old Bush-league politics of sneers, smears and spin. Obama/Biden will win this election, but the country will emerge as divided as ever and the Republicans will spend the next four years engaged in political guerrilla warfare and sabotage, blaming any problems they cause on the administration's failure of leadership. How sad that we have been dragged into this seemingly endless political civil war.

Sorry but most of the people at the DNC were white too...did you miss Michael Steel's speech tonight,Lynn Swann, other AA , Asians and Hispanics or the signs in Spanish etc.

While there might have been more color at the DNC that is there base...what is wrong with white people being a part of a base...it doesn't make them any less significant..stop being a race baiter..

What would you say if someone had posted a statement about the DNC convention saying "did you see how few whites there are in the audience?"

Jim,

Did you listen to Biden's speech? Was there anything nice he said about Mccain except he's my friend and then a stonecold attack

Obama did the same thing and then had the "audacity" to say McCain would not have followed bin Laden to his cave but he will...Obama has been soft on these issues and then he makes that kind of accusation...didn't he vote against the surge...now that it is working and Patreaus handed over Anbar to the Iraqis yesterday and those troops are coming home, he does not have the common sense to agree it had the intended effects...we might get out of there with a V...no matter what the ill proposed reasons were for getting in there at all...only McCain was saying to do that 3-4 years ago when it was almost political suicide in both his party, the Dem party and the country

just look at the questioning Obama got from Katie Couric on his Europe/Mid East trip...she asked him some tough questions(finally) and he stumbled saying the surge worked but it didn't...WTF? The problem with Obama is he always tries to finesse an answer...I just want to hear what he really thinks...not "Its above my pay grade." That BS...there's no one above his pay grade..

Sarah Palin is an example of someone who has an overinflated and therefore unrealistic self-image. She simply doesn’t measure up to the requirements of the job, but appears not to see that. The image she paints of herself as an opponent of pork-barrel spending is also untrue. In Palin’s case she may have said “thanks, but no-thanks” to the bridge, but she did her part to keep the federal money that was allocated to build the bridge in Alaska. That may have been good for Alaskans, but it wasn’t good for America, and it wasn’t “reform.” That’s not change, that’s just more of the same.

A well-delivered speech, but ultimately signifying nothing. There was no vision for America and no demonstration of policy expertise to assuage the doubts that many of us have about her ability to handle even the basics of being president.

The person I saw tonight is the same person who tried to fire the town police chief and librarian for supporting her opponent in the mayor's race. She's good-looking, but she's also petty, vindictive, and ultimately not qualified to have her finger on the nuclear trigger.

In a way, as an democrat, I was disappointed and relieved at the same time,
I expect something great... because all the republicans are praising her.
But when i was watching her speach, i'm like... what is this? she is reading half of the script, many times eyes are down, and even she pretend to mock or attack Obama, i don't feel any fire.
Just this? there are so many great female republicans who can be on the ticket... and Maccain choose this woman?
I feel sorry for Maccain supporters.

Yea, the pub's are womanizing, racists?? Look at who is calling it right here, right now... same ones that always do. Lying, strongarmed democrats. You screwed up millions of voters, just like you always do. And now your screwing women and free thinkers! McCain will win because of you tards. I'm jumping over there again, I can see how it would go if you got your way. I may not put someone in that has all of my same values, but he aint no crook, he wont cheat us and bend us over and threaten us if we dont choose a color. I'll fight another day when we nominate a person who we can trust to put us ahead of the wallet and their fat head. Better pack your bags lyin'Pelosi, RiedtheHun... coz your history baby.

Can people not repeat the same talking points memos you read on the Huffington Post, the Obama website, the Daily Kos(aren't they the ones who lied about her baby being her daughters), the NY times...

She is being investigated because a former political rival is stirring the pot...Troopergate is bogus...even the guy fired said he was never directly told to go...he said he "felt" pressure...well I guess so...you left a police officer on your force who Taser's his 11 year old son, threatens the Governor's father's life, beats his wife(the Governor's sister) and has been disciplined multiple times by the police force for corrupt acts...actually you promoted him...great, just what evry citizen in any state needs...corrupt law enforcement

Way to go Palin...does anyone really think that is abuse or just the right thing to do? Mean spirited? No...the right thing to do...holding superiors accountable is the right thing to do...Accountability is dead in America..both parties are saying it, actually Obama more loudly that the rest which is something he should be proud of and a reason I am considering voting for him...I agree with him wholeheartedly when he says all communities need to start taking responsibility for themselves..

Palin should have fired that guy not just made him feel like it was time for him to go...he wasn't doing his job as a public official..that's not abuse that's leadership..

If the Republicans are advocating change, the scary question is not "from what"? as a poster above has suggested, but TO what???

To the END TIMES? Sarah Palin's church are end-times welcomers who believe that Revelations is in our lifetimes. Do we want someone who thinks this way in charge of our Nuclear arsenal? Or our conservation policies? No wonder she doesn't think she needs to take care of her kids! The Rapture's gonna get 'em and Jesus will see to it.

I am a woman, committed to equality in pay for women, choice, and countless other rational progressive policies and practices that are consistent with our nation’s FREEDOMS.
I have voted in every election available to me for over 50 years, since I was old enough to vote -- except for 2 (one a premature birth, and one time stuck overseas on a job unexpectedly).

I respect competence -- real competence in national issues. Palin gives an inspiring speech -- until you look beyond the words and delivery. What about issues other than advancing Alaska's wealth through petroleum industry development? What about more balanced solid facts on McSame? … the so-called “maverick” who has voted with Pres. Dubya over 90% of the time?
What about the SAME OLD BUSH REPUG PLATROM?
What about the Supreme Court, with only Republican appointees for the past 40 years?

RE HILLARY CLINTON: I supported Hillary Clinton, but there is no way in the world that I could even consider voting for Palin just "because she is a woman". That is stupid. Anyone who supported Hillary should have the respect to follow her Obama-Biden endorsement.
A previous poster claimed that the Dems do not want any woman in a role higher than a Senator. Baloney. BTW, wouldn't it be great -- and a perfect fit in this case -- if Hillary were Secy of Health, Education ... that's considerably "higher" than a Senator!

Gov. Palin may be a “good woman” in many ways, and has a great family. I respect her son, Track, as a serviceman going to Iraq, but sadly Iraq is now a civil war (and it was NEVER any hotbed of Al Queda – until we invaded because our leaders were misled by tricky Cheney et. Al. THEY picked that fight. . . . McSame would send our kids there to die for another 100 years (or did he really not mean that???).

This “good woman” can give a good speech, but would you really want to work for her?
Would you really want to vote for her, when she “believes” in the Iraq War?
... “believes” in imposing “no abortion” under any circumstances (except death of mom), though children have a right to be wanted, cherished, and nurtured in order to have a real LIFE?
... “believes” in shooting other species, such as wolves and bears from aircraft as “sport”?
... “believes” in destroying Alaska’s unique ecosystems and environmental quality?
... “believes” in DEvolution of our lives, our planet, and our economy rather than comprehending that SCIENCE is a lynchpin that supports life?

And worst of all – she not only does not know what the VP DOES, she is happy to be demeaned by being another McCain Barbie doll!

This is a leader of the U.S. of A.? WOW – IMHO, our American penchant for shallow entertainment and celebrity worship has hit a new low.

@ deb L, You say Obama reminds you of people who "Talked a good talked - did no real work. Promoted on what they said they did - not what they actually did."

Tell me deb L, when was the last time you were editor of a law review or graduated with a doctorate in law with highest honors... from Harvard, no less?

Taught constitutional law for over a decade?

Those were all things Obama did, while Palin was a sportscaster on an Alaska television station. Her only degree is in journalism. Obama's undergraduate degree is in political science, with a specialization in international relations.

He served seven years as a legislator in the Illinois Senate. Sarah Palin was a beauty contest winner in a town of 5500 (2000 census) then served as the town's part time mayor.

Sarah Palin was truthful when she said in her speech at the Republican convention that she is “just your average hockey mom.” But, she was less than honest when she asserted that she was just as qualified as Barack Obama to be President. Governor, you will be seeking the office of Vice-President. Didn’t John make that clear? More importantly, Governor Palin’s achievements in life however we might judge them based on what we know about her simply don’t measure up to those of Senator Obama. All achievement is not equal. Yes, theoretically it is possible for every American who was born in this country to seek the office of President. But that doesn’t mean that we are all equally qualified to hold the highest office in the land. The big question we should all ask about Sarah Palin is this: “What does this selection of a running mate tell us about John McCain’s decision making?” Republicans need to learn that asking that question is not un-American, and neither is asking about Sarah Palin’s qualifications somehow sexist. John McCain needs to understand that his telling and retelling of his moving POW story does not somehow insulate him from public scrutiny when he is campaigning for the office of President of the United States.

This RNC show has a strange feeling like a Hollywood script team got together and crafted a really weird idea of what a major party in its long slide to total irrelevancy would do in its last spasms of the lust for power. It is the triumph of "Dan Qualyeism" - Civic Responsibility for Screwballs and Dummies.

If John McCain's abysmal record on women's issues is any indication of his attitude toward women, I see no reason to believe Ms. Palin's role will be anything greater than attending funerals in third world countries. So far as being a "heartbeat away", I'd predict she'd be "Agnewed" before assuming the presidency.

If John McCain's abysmal record on women's issues is any indication of his attitude toward women, I see no reason to believe Ms. Palin's role will be anything greater than attending funerals in third world countries. So far as being a "heartbeat away", I'd predict she'd be "Agnewed" before assuming the presidency.

I am an HRC supporter and gave Palin a look see last night. I couldn't get to the computer fast enough to contribute to Obama. Each time I hear her I will contribute to Obama to send her back to Alaska. That woman gives pit bulls a bad name. Half truths, sarcasm. Mean spiritedness. I expected better of John McCain, clearly he is the hands of Karl Rove and his kind. Ugh!
Obama, here I come!!

I can't get over how retarded the left on this site sounds. Oops...I can't say the word retarded...I am sorry if I offended any of you that can't see things for what they are. Some of you can write which is cool, but do you have a clue what you are writing about or for?

90% of the Dem scribbles on the Internet is filled with venom. This venom will only get worse since the old "stolen election wounds" are starting to open up again. In other words, your arguments have no merit since none of them are based on fact, logic or any type of common sense at all. Don't get me wrong, I want to thank you for the unending source of entertainment.

canaldoc said: ...I will contribute to Obama to send her back to Alaska. That woman gives pit bulls a bad name. Half truths, sarcasm. Mean spiritedness. I expected better of John McCain, clearly he is the hands of Karl Rove and his kind. Ugh!
Obama, here I come!!
****************************************
Hey canaldoc,

Didn't you hear the DNC's speeches? Mean spirited? It is OK for your useless heroes to do and say what THEY want, but if the people are not empty headed socialist' then all bets are off right?

Do you even have a clue or is it simply your true colors showing along with the double-standard old school liberal ways. Just wondering. I just want to get along.

Barrack sit at the feet of his friend and Mentor for 20 years, supported him with his money, his family, subjected his children to his hate filled rants and listened to hate venom spewed out against whites, Jews, American, & everyone with the exception of Blacks and Muslims!

Barrack & his wife are Socialist, American hating, Black Power Racist proven by 20 years of attending & supporting the Church of Hate and backed up by Barracks words in Dreams of my Father!

Now, he says it was repugnant to him and he does not endorse it or agree! Anyone that drinks that Barrack Cool-Aid should seriously consider an head transplant! It is 20 years too late for anyone with an brain to accept. Either Barrack is lying or he has an serious mental problem! No one in their right mind would sit in the Church of Hate for 20 years and support it every way possible, unless they agreed with the message or they were crazy!

What if an White Republican politician had sit at the feet of his Friend and Mentor in an Baptist Church for 20 years and listened to him preach, rant and spew out racist hate bile against everyone and everything except Whites and Baptists.

Oh, The Outrage, the Moral Condemnation, The Media, Blacks leaders, all the Black Rev's would be popping out of every cracker jack box to get in on the action & check out the possibilities for Liberal white guilt and Blackmail. While all Blacks, Liberals and Democrats would be squealing like pigs caught under the gate!

Republican politicians Major and Minor would be shoving and pushing to get in front of the TV cameras and join in the condemnation, often & loudly, to show the world how politically correct they are.

Every one of the known and unknown in the universe would be calling for his head, no punishment would be enough, resigning from office would not be enough, the poor follow would have to change his name, travel incognito, flee the country! The IRS and FBI would be investigating the church, the church closed and all its members disbanded and scattered to the four winds!

What does Barrack, the Magnificent (May Peace be upon Him) have to do? Why just make an nice little speech blaming it all on his little old white typical grandmother, just throw her under the bus of his racist prejudice and if that is not enough, just whites in general!

But Wait, that speech was for the Rev. Wright and his hate rants, Not why Barrack the Chosen one, the scion of the Muslim goat herder, the deserted son of the typical black father, I am the One We have been waiting on, Barrack the Great, sit in the church for 20 years and listened to his Friend and Mentor spew out venom. That He, the Supreme One, found repugnant and disgusting but with just one little speech and never answer why the Magnificent One and his Affirmative action Wife (may Peace be upon them) have so much hate and sit in church applauding the Rev. Weight for 20 years and all is right in the Barrack cult land.

If nothing else this campaign has Exposed the racism of Blacks and the total Blinding, Unbelievable Hypocrisy, the like of any Balance or Morals that the Liberals, Democrats, and Media have! They have been exposed as Lying, Deceitful, Bigoted Hypocrites, Unable or Unwilling to face or to tell the truth!

Humor with a smile.
For Republicans to elevate a two year governor, a feisty right wing soccer mom, and provide her with a Reaganesque speechwriter, while keeping her isolated from the press, this is not particularly new, except the gender distraction. The GOP rarely cares from where or how the distraction comes, just so it can move real issues off stage for another news cycle or two.
That her son Track faces the Iraqi streets and highways just as the election heats up is especially scary. They'll milk that one for all it's worth. We could see a grim October surprise indeed.

Congratulations to the G.O.P. for introducing their Eva Peron -- their Alessandra Mussolini -- to the nation in a typical proto-fascist speech replete with lies and contradictions to appeal to extremist elements of the middle class. Yes, the gloves are off. Does the Democratic Party have enough courage and strength to confront and reverse the ongoing decline of representative democracy in the United States?

It's hard to believe that even... no especially... the Washington Post can assert that Washington is anything LESS than "LIBERAL! LIBERAL! LIBERAL!"

You crybabies seem to conveniently overlook that the U.S. House and Senate have been led by their majority democrats for the past 8 years. A congress that, by the way, has the worst approval record of any congress in history (in SINGLE DIGITS). The liberal press, among whom the Washington Post is a pack leader, propogates the notion that the GOP has been in charge this whole time. They sidestep the fact that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Ried, along with too many other left wing (dare I say communist) liberals, have been too focused on finding ways to impeach Bush to do their jobs. Knowing all this, the Washington Post hit job writers, of which "DIONNE" is certainly one, continue to insist "it's Bush's fault". Hell, OBAMA doesn't need an "attack dog" in his camp! He has the Washington Post! They do it and claim they are providing the public a service... give us a break!

I thought it was deeply unfortunate that Ms. Palin and the McCain campaign thought it was appropriate to put Palin's pregnant daughter and her boyfriend at center stage during the convention and in photo ops. These poor kids are only 17 years old. Shouldn't they have been protected instead of being exploited by their own parents and the McCain campaign for political reasons. It is very troubling and I feel deeply sorry for these kids.

What got me was the repeated line and chant that Obama and Biden had zero administrative experience. What administrative experience has McCain had? They were trashing their own presidential nominee and making it sound like their VP was more qualified that McCain. I don't believe they thought the American public was smart enough to understand that.

When the dust settled, things will bring back to economy. McCain has to answer. Sure, she has energized the republican base but that expected given her past screwed up record ? Despite the pressure from democratic base, Obama choose Biden that did not pleased democrats. On the opposite, McCain under pressure choose Palin. Now compare two judgments. Despite the baggage, Clinton would have been a safe choice and unbeatable ticket. However, he went on something more than an election and made a sound judgment. Palin is a rolling dice for independent and swing voter but not for the base. Change is with Obama unless voter really hates him and perhaps that’s the strategy.

McCain’s arguments on surge have some weight but still lack his judgmental quality. There was no option but to have a surge (in order to save the face—put it more bluntly) and once in his presidency, finally, President Bush took the wise decision and he should be praised for it. McCain supported the surge and that is it. He has made a big deal of it and rightfully so in the election time. However, he cannot own the surge judgment alone. There were many and if he is riding on that judgment, what about other who have supported? Share the pie.

Experience is BS. See the experience of Rumsfiled, cheny and their party and in fact, McCain is the part of that experience. There is no way McCain can separate from that experience--unfortunately. He tried with Palin but it remains to be seen how effective that is going to be. Traditionally, independent follows the issue-based politics. Despite the media cry that people do not know about obama, independent and swing voters knows about Obama when it comes to issues. They know where he stands; they are just not sure how he is going to execute them. Partially because of long fought primary. McCain, on the other hand, showed mixed review on issues. Partially because much of his post primary campaign was, Obama and his experience centric and the media focused on Obama. It worked (as should be) but perhaps he missed a clear message to independent and swing voter and that may cause the problem.

If democrat play wise and bring the focus on economy, McCain and Palin will crash. There is no way they can overcome the past 8 year’s fiasco. My gut feeling is voters have already made their mind and obama has a slight advantage. However, last 10 days argument on issues (democrats) and personality (republican) may turn this election too close or even alter the race.

Let me say first that I don't think its right to target the candidates family. But the truth of the matter is that Palin and McCain are the ones who wanted to HIGHLIGHT her family from the beginning. The first time they introduced her, the biography was -- SON is going to WAR, other SON has disability, and HUSBAND is champion snowmobile racer. So unfortunately Palin and McCain opened the door for scrutiny on Palin's daughter. You can't go around saying my SON is going to WAR and SHOUT it everywhere you go, and then say don't talk about my daughter.

In addition, as a Evangelical Christian she opens herself up to the standards of the church when seeking a position of authority. In 1 Timothy 3 it talks about certain qulaifications people should have when seeking an office in the church, and therefore this should be referenced when seeking a government office as a Christian. 1 Tim 3:1-4 "1...If anyone sets his/her heart on being an overseer, he/she desires a noble task... 4He/she must manage his/her own family well and see that his/her children obey him/her with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his/her own family, how can he/she take care of God's church?)" Thus since the Bible tells Christians to look at the family of those seeking high positions, she has opened herself up to scrutiny which includes family values and childrens behaviors... (That is if she's an evangelical Christian... because this standard does not hold water unless you profess what's in the Bible.)

E.J. -- you may have a lot of positive attributes, but intellectual honesty and fairness aren't among them today.

Point one: At least Palin doesn't have to generate celebrity by renting out a football stadium and buy out a Hollywood set. Obamapalooza was pretty top-down for a supposedly bottom-up guy, no?

Point two: For all of Bush's unpopularity, he's got nothing on the Democratic congress, which has the wild support of 18 percent of the country. Maybe Romney was talking about something mainstream journalists and liberal pundits like you won't: the do-nothing, stonewalling Congress that has had it out for Bush since their sour, angry days of 2000?

F.C. Wade posted: "It's hard to believe that even... no especially... the Washington Post can assert that Washington is anything LESS than "LIBERAL! LIBERAL! LIBERAL!"

You crybabies seem to conveniently overlook that the U.S. House and Senate have been led by their majority democrats for the past 8 years."

For God's sake, get your facts correct before you attempt to make a point. Both the House and Senate were run by Republican majorities from the time George Bush got elected until 2006. Your opinion is ill-informed, and should probably therefore be ignored.

Great post Jade! I grew up in a Republican household but it's the hypocrisy that led me to become an independent. I'm amazed at how easy the Republicans simply abandon their beliefs or look the other way to win elections.

"E.J. -- you may have a lot of positive attributes, but intellectual honesty and fairness aren't among them today.

Point one: At least Palin doesn't have to generate celebrity by renting out a football stadium and buy out a Hollywood set. Obamapalooza was pretty top-down for a supposedly bottom-up guy, no?

Point two: For all of Bush's unpopularity, he's got nothing on the Democratic congress, which has the wild support of 18 percent of the country. Maybe Romney was talking about something mainstream journalists and liberal pundits like you won't: the do-nothing, stonewalling Congress that has had it out for Bush since their sour, angry days of 2000?

You guys are talking a great game. Never let 'em see you sweat, right?"

I'll repeat what I told the last guy: You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own version of the facts. John's so-called "stonewalling, do-nothing Congress" was run by Republicans, not Democrats, until 2006. There was no Democratic majority the House between 1995 and 2006, and the Democratic majority in the Senate between 2001 and 2003 was by a single vote. In any case, John probably can't name a time when Congress had a 50% approval rating, regardless of who ran it, because it's been a very long time since it has.

As to point one, John McCain hasn't been filling stadiums with supporters on the campaign trail because he isn't capable of drawing the crowds. And doesn't it seem a bit undemocratic to anyone else to criticize a political candidate's "celebrity?" Since when has running for the Presidency ever been anything but a glorified personality contest? Are we being told that the candidate who is more popular with the American people is the one who SHOULDN'T be voted in? What kind of reasoning is that?

If the only difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom is lipstick, then I suppose we should expect that Ms. Sarah will attack people indiscriminately and without provocation. That's a real plus, now, isn't it?

The dems talk about change but they have entered an elitist group.. It must hard to talk about change and higher taxes all the time between the Clinton News Network and the Washington post (pravda) Obama has enough talking heads.. Change what change Where the beef in Obama? Huh huh the Post is really showing it true colors...

Certainly the path of least resistance for the Demo's to answer Palin when speaking of Palin's overreaching self entitlement and her lack of humility when addressing the issue of unwanted pregnancys, without also being accused of sexism would be for Hillary Clinton to engage her while stumping for Obama/Biden. Hillary would chew her into little pieces and spit her out while making clear just the double standards the Republicans have held for working women for many years, as well the abysmal state of publicly funded support for preventing unwanted/unintended pregnancys amoung the young and poor of the US and the developing countries ......

Sarah Palin and the GOP is that ugly step sister that never seems to get a fair shake. They cry "...Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.." And ignore the real issues at hand. They are so busy undermining Obama's celebrity with slurs and gibes they never address what the public is most concerned with (economy,war,immigration etc..) Their bitter resentment will only suceed in dividng this country further. Obama-Biden 08

First, I must say that I thought Sarah Palin did really well last night. Brassy, Sassy, and Balsy... etc. And as a woman, growing up poor, and aspiring to achieve more than my folks were able to, I chose to attend any Ivy league university. So I want to know when did attending these schools with all of their rich AMERICAN histories become something to frown upon and discourage? I don't get this "elites" or "smart folks" are bad theory. Or the desiring to be rich is "bad." Spin is a b***ch!

As a person who was very impressed by most of the speeches (Huckabee--love him; Giuiliani--not so fond of, but great speech; and Palin-- knocked it out the ballpark)I was also a little confused. I almost felt like I was wathing a third party convention. REFORM, CHANGE, GIVE US A CHANCE TO SHOW YOU REAL CHANGE! While listening to these themes, I kept thinking, but aren'tyou all (i.e. Republicans) in the White House now? Didn't the GOP have White House and Congress locked up for 4-6 years. So are you running against the incumbent party? Is it just me or was this strange to anyone else?

Surprisingly Todd.. Republicans pretty much get the most minority groups votes, OTHER than African-Americans. If you look at how most 1st and 2nd generation immigrants vote (legal immigrants) it is usually for the Republican ticket

Many of you are just basking in your self made glory or trying to hide your concerns by bashing a 44 year old woman who has accomplished more than you. I bet the Obama campaign is concerned after Ms. Palin's speech. So it time to quit the self-adulation and concentrate on working to win. And winning will absolutely not happen unless the personal attacks (even the subtle ones) stop!!!

Here's Sarah running for Governor when she was FOR the bridge to nowhere, before she was AGAINST it!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/baratunde/2826860356/
We working women refuse to go back to the stone age, that's exactly where Sarah wants to take us.
Book banning
No health care
hey Sarah, what about the economy, or doesn't that matter?
I am NOT better off now than 4 or 8 years ago. NO TO MCBUSH, I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF THE SAME, NO!

hey synakyl, you are trying to use facts to disprove Huckabee's statement that Palin got more votes for Wasilla mayor than Biden for President. Facts are so yesterday, we don't use them anymore and don't want to hear them. Palin got more votes and that's it - OK. Good.

"Republicans pretty much get the most minority groups votes, OTHER than African-Americans. If you look at how most 1st and 2nd generation immigrants vote (legal immigrants) it is usually for the Republican ticket"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

that's the funniest and saddest line ever. I'm not sure which 2nd and 3rd generation immigrants Mattecus refers to? Rich immigrants who didn't go through the shameful Jim Crow days nor whose forefathers were enslaved for 300 years.

Are American's really hoodwinked by McCain the "Reformer"? The Republican’s had the White House, AND the House and Senate for nearly EIGHT years and look at the state of this country! How is it that they paint themselves as the phoenix rising out of the ashes when they are very same politicians who started the fire? At the RNC - No talk of the last eight years - It's like they weren't there, not responsible, not US - MUSTA BEEN SOMEBODY ELSE!!?? If Sarah Palin has more executive experience than Obama, then she also has more experience than McCain (Huh??). So, who is the presidential nominee? McCain is 72 years old and are we really ready to hand the country over to a woman who has 1 1/2 years of governing a state with 683,000 residents and prior to that a city of 7,000? And what's with the skewed morality of the Republicans? These are the same politicians who wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on impeaching Bill Clinton over a B/J and the RNC VP candidate, who is pro-life, and touts abstinence, gets to say Oh Gosh "Life Happens" about her pregnant teen and then complains that the media is so unfair? It's the same arrogant, divisive, pathological party full of, bigotry, hate, lies, tricks and unimpeded spying we’ve had for the last eight years. THE VERY SAME PARTY------

I tried to be objective during the Palin speech last night. I found her to be exactly what the Republican's represent which is exactly why I am a Democrat. She is defintely full of herself. Time will tell whether or not she can handle the really tough questions.

I threatened to move to Canada during the election and re-election of Bush. If McCain and Palin are elected, my bags are packed.

George W. Bush served as governor of Texas from January 17, 1995 to December 21, 2000... So he had all of this "governing experience" and just look at the mess he's made of things in his terms in office. I think it's time to give a couple of senators a chance.

I tried to be objective during the Palin speech last night. I found her to be exactly what the Republican's represent which is exactly why I am a Democrat. She is defintely full of herself. Time will tell whether or not she can handle the really tough questions.

I threatened to move to Canada during the election and re-election of Bush. If McCain and Palin are elected, my bags are packed.

Posted by: Pamela | September 4, 2008 11:40 AM

Pamela, why haven't you already moved? Were you being truthful when you mad those threats or were those threats just more Democratic lies?

Something I wonder is why is it that it's the Leftists who always threaten to leave the country when things don't go their way? I've yet to hear of a single conservative making any statements like that. And I also to admit I'm wondering who exactly it is that they're threatening ... their fellow Leftists?

Once again name calling and vindictive lies instead of objective analysis rules those who contribute comments. Regardless of who wins or whether you are a Republican or Democrat--the politicians will live well while the rest of us worry over debt: mortgages, car notes, gas bills etc. I do not see how any of these people will actually improve economic conditions and security issues for the majority of Americans. Grow up, you should be concentrating on what you can do to improve your situation and not wasting emotion (the ugliest ones--hatred and bigotry) on politicians who will be well taken care of. Remember they have health insurance, a good retirement plan, can vote themselves raises and will not be faced with the horror of trying to pay the milk bill. In addition, while I am not convinced that Ms. Palin is in any way extraordinary--she will have care for her special needs child that the average American family can only pray for.